Environmental changes of oases at southern margin of Tarim Basin, China

Abstract

The Tarim Basin is the largest inland basin in China. Its southern margin is a region with the most fragile eco-environment in China. According to archaeological data, historical documents and paleoclimatic information, great changes have taken place in the eco-environment of the region. Such changes are mainly manifested in the temporal-spatial changes of oases and the expansion of desertification extent, which led to the abandonment of some famous ancient cities and the disappearance of the southern route of the Silk Road. At present, desertification of the region is showing an accelerating tendency. This paper analyzes the distribution and evolution laws of oases in the region, deals with their natural and anthropogenic causes, and points out that before the 20th century evolution of the oases gradually occurred under the influence of natural factors, in particular the climatic aridification, while in the 20th century the desertification and environmental degradation of oases are mainly attributed to human activities under the background of arid climate. To halt further degradation of the environment of the oases great efforts should be made to use water and soil resources rationally, develop advantageous resources and protect the natural oases.